Stolen Lives Opened Our Eyes & Jamie Warmed Our Souls

November book club was a great conversation of the will to survive, the inhumanity of parts of humanity that exist even in our time, and how where we are born has so much to do with how our lives turn out. 

It was a great reminder and eye-opener that we are recipients of millions of freedoms that we don't even realize we are enjoying.  From the amenities of running water, sanitary foods, electricity, freedom of religion, political persuasion, safety, literacy, accessibility to the greatest libraries, medical advancements, and even the neighborhood park, we really have it all. 

Our discussion explored a few ways we can make a difference worldwide for those in poverty stricken areas, and what we can do locally (ask Kristi Cummings if you want suggestions on either). 

Jamie spoiled us with irresistible cheese balls and crackers, delicious veggies, rock candies, and a yummy virgin mixed drink with lemon and mint (I don't remember what it's called).  Jennefer topped off the broad selection with delicious home made shortbread cookies that seemed to vanish by the evening's end.

With Thanksgiving on the brain, I would like to thank each of you for your generosity.  Thanks to all of you for making our first year as a book club such a success; it is a highlight to my every month to be with you.  Thank you for hosting, for reading, for showing up whether or not you read, for moving your schedule around to come,  for sharing your thoughts (no matter how polarized), for accepting me and the other group members as a friend (despite our occasional differences of opinion).  Thanks be to your good husbands for watching the children so you could have a night out with the girls, and thanks for inviting other fabulous people to join us that we wouldn't have had a chance to meet otherwise.  May the upcoming holidays be filled with love, peace, and harmony is my wish to you,

Natalie Griffith       

p.s. If you ever need to unwind, come over for a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows, even just for 15 minutes after the kids have gone to bed.  Send me a text, and I'll start heating up the water.    

December Changes

At book club last month, we briefly talked about what to anticipate through the rest of the year, and our newest member, Jennefer Procarione, volunteered to host in December!  Not only will she determine how the book exchange will go, but we can look to her to guide the discussion on her simple Christmas read: The Fourth Gift by J. Tucker Davis.  We're all looking forward to our Christmas party on December 16th, thanks for hosting, Jennefer!

Regarding the book exchange, bring a new or gently used literary favorite.  For the fun of anticipation and flirting with the unknown, wrap it.  The rules of the game will be explained and the fun will begin on Jennefer's cue.

Awesome October Club

Kristen Chennault lead a sweet discussion on Lemon Tart; the culinary murder mystery that brought out a variety of opinions but no accurate predictions of just who the murderer was.  The night was a big hit when we got to sample all the delicious recipes from the book.  Click here to print out your favorite one.  Melissa's home was a festive fit, thanks to both of you for your generosity! 

November club with Jamie Melrose

Just in time to be grateful for Thanksgiving, November's choice is Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail.  This is a true story that really opened my eyes to what is happening around the world even in our time.  Feeling like I can't do it justice, read more about it here.  We'll meet at Jamie Melrose's place, two doors down from mine.  This will be a discussion you won't want to miss!  Check to see availability at the library here.

Join us at 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 18th!

Lemon Tart October 21st

Lemon Tart is a sweet title for a fast moving murder mystery with a delicious set of recipes intertwined through out the book.  This month's hostess is Kristin Chennault who made sure to find the perfect selection for the haunting month of October. 

So, delve into this yummy treat of a book and then bring your opinions, 8 p.m., Friday, October 21st.  Word has it that Kristen and Melissa will be cooking up the mouth-watering samples from the novel to share!  I have the book checked out from the library right now if anyone wants to borrow it, and I'd love to fill my family wagon full of ladies who want to drive over to Melissa Gedde's house for the night:  4851 Copper Oaks Dr

The Help Was Happenin'

L-R Natalie Griffith, Andrea Burt, Maury Jackson, Brittany Lovendahl, Jamie Melrose, Lisette McEwan, Kayleen Pemberton, and Lindsay Emery at 1:15 a.m.

Big thanks to Andrea Burt for hosting a great discussion of The Help and for the delicious homemade pie and pudding (she kindly opted not to make a chocolate one)!  We also acknowledge Jessica Tidwell for opening her home for the evening.  Many of us went from there to the megaplex cinema to see the 10:15 showing of book-gone-silver-screen.  Everyone agreed that it was very well done, some had seen it already and determined it was good enough to see again!  It was a reminder that no matter what our differences are, our worth is no less or greater than any other human being.  

October Mystery

Our October hostess is Kristin Chennault, here is a note from her:


The October book is "Lemon Tart" by Josie Kilpack, the book is worth buying for the recipes alone!  

(I'll be hosting at) Melissa Geddes's (her) address is 4851 Copper Oaks Dr

Herriman, UT 84096-1856

There are 19 copies in the library system with only 2 holds, so everyone can get this one!  Please read and come prepared for a tasty discussion!

Kristin

Note from Natalie: I have an 8 passenger Suburban, so everyone who wants to ride over to Melissa's with me, just say so and your spot is saved.